Changes

Sometimes you find yourself realizing that there are things about yourself that have changed. You can’t even remember when or why, but you wake up one day and it’s the case. I can only say that it has to be God at work in our lives!

One change for me is that I am eating and even enjoying British sausages. When I was first introduced to a sausage in the United Kingdom…I was sure I would never grow to like them. They aren’t our American hotdogs! It’s not the taste of the sausage that I had a problem with…I turned my nose up at the consistency. They are fatter and the middle is a bit squishy. But this weekend I had sausages a couple of times and thoroughly enjoyed them. Go figure.

Ok…another change is that I now think that 80 degrees is hot. A few years ago I would hear a Brit say that it was hot and I would scoff and laugh. Now I’m looking for the coolest spot to sit and endure the 'heat.' Remember a couple of weeks ago I was questioning summer in England? Well…it has arrived! It has been beautiful with the sun shining. Dave & I have also been laughing at our cat, Festus…he is pictured above trying to keep as cool as possible. I don't know if the twisted pose really helps, but he seems to think so. Yesterday the heat made him so sleepy he catnapped all afternoon!

Thank goodness we are always changing. I love seeing the people around me being transformed day by day. Sometimes I get a glimpse in the mirror and realize that God is transforming me, as well! Not just in age, either. I got some pictures this past weekend of a college roommate and her family and wondered when her kids got so big! Surely I'm not that old!

Enjoy the summer - whatever that looks like in your part of the world. Will let you know when I'm back to wishing for the sun and the heat...

Love,

Beth

Summer in England?

Hello! This picture of the back garden of Windmill was taken a couple of days ago when all we had was rain, rain, rain! Today the sun is peeking out of the clouds and wants to come out and grace us with its presence! It's 55 degrees now and promising that the high will be 63. As I check the weather in Richmond, Virginia - I see that it is going to be 93! Ok, for the most part...I really do like the milder temperatures here in England - but I do get tired of the wet and damp. I have to say, though, when the sun is shining it is glorious!


As of yesterday, we had 56 guys in our Birmingham centre and 13 women. It's a good number for this time of year. Usually it is the cold that forces people to ring for help and we have fewer calls in the warmer weather. We continue to pray that people call for interviews, show up and stay for help. There is hope for freedom from addictions!


Dave and I are doing well. Dave is busy with work as it is the busiest time of year for our gardening service. He works with the gardening teams on Mondays and then does quotes for possible jobs on Tuesdays - Saturdays. His quotes and gardening jobs are booked for a few weeks in advance and we pray for that to continue. Gardening is one of the best sources of income for Betel. But everyone is working hard - from posting the flyers to promote our businesses, running the four charity furniture shops in Birmingham, an antique warehouse and eBay business, re-upholstering furniture and restoring it in the shed here at Windmill! Please do continue to pray for God's provision for rents and the bills that Betel has to pay.


I've started working on applying for my indefinite leave to remain visa. When Dave & I were married I was granted a two-year visa to remain in England. Now I apply for a "residence" visa to stay here indefinately. I successfully completed a Life in the UK test (24 questions about aspects of English living: culture, history, religion, government, etc.) and now I need to gather documentation that shows we are married and living in the same residence. My current visa expires in September. I'd appreciate your prayers for the process and also the funds. It is an expensive document! It will cost £750 (or approximately $1,500)! I know God is faithful and he has called me here so he will provide.


Please let us know how you are doing! We love your comments, emails and letters!

Love,

Beth